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Thursday, April 17, 2014

Malbec tasting at Steenberg, presented by Argentinian Sommelier Luis and Martin Mantegini

Malbec tasting at Steenberg, presented by Argentinian Sommelier Luis and Martin Mantegini in conjunction with South African Sommeliers Association a tasting put together by Higgo Jacobs, secretary of SASA

Luis Mantegini

18 facts about Argentinian vineyard locations

1 - Majority of vineyards are located 33 degrees South

2 - Salta one of the highest vineyards in the world at 5577 feet above sea level

3 - Majority of vineyards are predominantly located on the West side

4 - 94% of productions are in Mendoza

5 - 260,000+ha of vineyards, currently between 4th and 5th largest producers in the world

6 - No humidity, high altitude vineyards and wind from the Atlantic, continental climate, dry

7 - Altitude plays a significant role, huge diurnal fluctuations, long growing seasons, thick skin, tiny berries, high color and polyphenol contents, long growing season, not unusual to harvest in May

8 - Harvest began normally 120 days after veraison, very long hang time.

9 - 335 sunny days annually, 225mm of rainfall in summer

10 - Rainy season in summer, i.e growing season

11 - 600mm – 700mm of additional water via irrigation to support vineyards, obtain from melting ice from the Andes

12 - Hail is their biggest threat during growing season.

13 - Very poor soils, alkaline.

14 - 82% red wine productions, Argentinian consumes an average of 28 litres per person, strong
domestic market, 98% of wines purchased are consumed within 72 hours

15 - Low natural acidity, tartaric acid adjustment is necessary during winemaking.

16 - Malbec is the most planted variety

17 - Bonarda second most planted variety

18 - Torrontes is Argentina signature white variety, a cross of Muscat d’Alexandrie and native varieties.